A nurse is providing teaching to an older adult client about methods to promote nighttime sleep.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client directly about the hallucinations is essential in understanding the nature and content of the hallucinations. This information is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's mental state accurately and plan appropriate interventions. Direct communication helps establish trust and rapport with the client, making them more likely to share their experiences.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding eye contact can create a sense of disconnection and may increase the client's anxiety. Establishing eye contact, on the other hand, communicates empathy and attentiveness, which are essential in therapeutic communication.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to lie down in a quiet room might not be the most appropriate action, as it does not address the hallucinations directly. It's important to address the hallucinations and help the client cope with them effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Referring to the hallucinations as if they are real might validate the client's experience but can also perpetuate the hallucinations. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing the false beliefs. Providing reality-based perspectives and encouraging the client to explore the origin of these hallucinations can be more beneficial.

Choice A rationale:

Acetone breath is a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes mellitus. It occurs due to the presence of ketones in the breath and is not specific to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels, not elevated ketone levels.

Choice B rationale:

Confusion is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop significantly, the brain may not receive enough glucose to function properly, leading to confusion, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Polydipsia refers to excessive thirst and is a symptom of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), not hypoglycemia. In hyperglycemic states, the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to increased thirst.

Choice D rationale:

Hot, dry skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and cool, clammy skin due to the body's stress response.